The uptake of nickel and chromium from water by Elodea canadensis at different nickel and chromium exposure levels

The uptake of Ni and Cr from water was studied at three Ni and Cr exposure levels in a laboratory by cosmopolitan submerged macrophyte, Elodea canadensis Mixch. The uptake rate of Ni and Cr diminished, when the exposure time came longer and the initial concentration was lower. The uptake of Ni by Elodea canadensis was 25 to 40 times higher than the uptake of Cr in the same initial concentration. After 24 hours Elodea canadensis accumulated rather high content of Ni (310 - 2150) mu g/DWg and a much lower amount of Cr (8 - 84) mu g/DWg. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd.